Mossberg Model 42 MB(a) British Lend Lease Training Rifle .22 LR

Made under British Lend Lease Contract W-478-ORD-3239 dated the first of March, 1943. The Mossbergs were to be used in training the British “Home Guard”.

The barrel is marked “UNITED STATES / PROPERTY / SERIAL NO. 44931 / O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS, INC. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / 42MB(a) .22 S-L-LR”, the receiver is marked “UNITED STATES / PROPERTY / SERIAL NO. 44931”. The rear sight is marked “MOSSBERG / No. 4 / PAT. PEND.”, the right side of the trigger guard is marked “U.S.A. PAT. DES. 110729”.


The 42 MB (a) marking indicates an upgraded extractor, introduced with the last two contracts. The front site is unusual. There are three choices. A narrow post, a wide post and a peep. See Pictures. There is a small lever at the front of the sight base. When it is pressed the chosen front sight may be rotated up and locked in position.


The rifle is complete with the “Bolt Cover”, a M1905 leather sling and one seven round magazine. The bore is bright and shiny with good rifling. The blue/black finish is unmarked except where the bolt cover has worn away a small strip. There is no rust or pitting. The stock is in almost perfect condition. There are no scratches, chips, cracks or deep handling marks. The only negatives are that the small red plastic inset marked “F”, behind the safety, is missing and the plastic butt plate has a split above the top screw.


Overall, a highly collectible example of a WW II training rifle that is in exceptional condition for its' age and intended use.